Golf Training System

ABSTRACT

A target assembly is provided for a sports training system in which a ball is propelled toward a target zone. The target assembly includes an inflatable object configured to erect a plurality of surfaces upon inflation of the object. Each surface is orthogonal to at least one of the plurality of surfaces. A target is positioned on at least one of the plurality of surfaces, where the target is configured to make contact with the ball. A golf training system is also provided, which includes the target assembly, the ball and the club for engaging the ball to propel the ball towards the target.

FIELD

Embodiments relate to sport training systems, and more particularly to a target assembly for a sport training system of the type in which a ball is launched toward a target zone, and in particular to a golf-like game of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,458.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,458, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, describes a golf game for persons starting new at golf that uses a three dimensional target positioned on a ground surface, as well as a ball and a golf club. Hook and loop material (commonly referred to as Velcro®) is attached along an outer surface of the target and mating hook and loop material is attached to the ball. The object of the game is for the player to hit the ball so that when the ball comes into contact with the three dimensional target, the ball remains in position on the three dimensional target. While the targets described in the '458 patent are particularly suited for use in an indoor arena, such as a school gymnasium, it is desirable to have a target that can be used on irregular surfaces such as on a sports field and can accommodate multiple players simultaneously.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an inflatable target assembly for a sports training system in which a ball is propelled toward a target zone, the target assembly comprising a plurality of inflatable columns configured to erect a plurality of generally vertical surfaces upon inflation of the assembly. In an illustrative embodiment, each surface is generally orthogonal to at least one other of the plurality of surfaces. A target is positioned on at least one of the plurality of surfaces within a target zone. When used in conjunction with the equipment described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,458, each of the targets is covered with hook and loop material and the balls are approximately tennis ball size and similarly covered with hook and loop material so that balls impacting on a target will adhere to the target to provide feedback to the person hitting the balls.

Preferably, the inflatable target assembly uses a plurality of vertical and horizontal columns to convey and to hold air for inflation. The inflated columns form a structure with a plurality of rectangular openings. Each opening is covered by a mesh sheet that is attached along top and bottom edges to horizontal columns so that the mesh sheets define target zones on which targets can be displayed. The mesh sheets are configured so that balls missing the target will not pass through the sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are explained in the following description in view of the drawings that show:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a golf training system;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of arrows and markers for alignment in the golf training system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6a is a side view of a ball of the golf training system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6b is a section I-I view of the ball shown in FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a golf club of the golf training system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8a is a top view of a mat used in the golf training system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8b is a side view of the mat shown in FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting a method for playing a golf game; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B show alternative forms of targets that may be used with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a golf training system 10. The golf training system 10 includes a target assembly 11 including an inflatable object 12 that is inflated with a pump or blower 41 that delivers a flow of air through a channel 43 to an inflatable volume within the object 12. The inflatable portions of the target assembly 11 may be sealable so that once inflated, the assembly 11 would be sealed and not require additional air. Alternately, the assembly 11 may be of the type requiring a continuous flow of air to maintain its inflated configuration. However, the object 12 need not be inflated with pressurized air and may be inflated with any type of pressurized fluid. As illustrated in FIG. 1, upon inflation, the object 12 includes a pair of opposing sides 13, 15 and an interior 17 that connects the sides 13, 15. In a non-limiting example, the sides 13, 15 and the interior 17 form an H-shaped configuration. However, the inflatable object 12 of the golf training system 10 is not limited to any particular configuration, and the inflatable object may include any number of sides arranged in any configuration. In a non-limiting example, the sides 13, 15 have a length in a range of about sixteen to twenty feet and a height in a range of about seven to ten feet. In a non-limiting example, the interior 17 has a length in a range of about twenty to twenty four feet and a height in a range of about seven to ten feet. However, the embodiments of the inflatable object 12 of the golf training system 10 are not limited to any specific numerical dimensional range for the lengths and widths of the sides 13, 15 and the interior 17.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sides 13, 15 each include atop horizontally oriented inflatable column 32, a bottom horizontally oriented inflatable column 34 and a pair of vertically oriented inflatable corner members 40 that have the appearance of small towers. The interior 17 similarly includes a top horizontally oriented column 33 and a bottom horizontally oriented column 35, where a volume enclosed by the top column 33 is continuous with a volume enclosed by the top columns 32 of the sides 13, 15 such that air freely flows from within the top columns 32 to within the top column 33. Similarly, a volume enclosed by the bottom column 35 is continuous with a volume enclosed by the bottom columns 34 of the sides 13, 15 such that compressed air freely flows from within the bottom columns 34 to within the bottom column 35. The inflatable columns 32, 34, and members 40 continuously enclose the inflatable volume 25 of the target assembly 11 such that air from the blower 41 freely flows from a volume enclosed by the corner inflatable members 40 to respective volumes enclosed by the top and bottom columns (32, 34)(33, 35), to inflate the object 12 and cause it to assume the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, upon inflation of the object 12, a target zone or surface 14 is erected along an interior of the side 13 between the top and bottom columns 32, 34. In a non-limiting example, the surface 14 is connected along an edge of each of the top and bottom columns 32, 34 via conventional tabs (not shown) that are affixed to the columns by stitching and/or adhesive in a manner well known in the art. Such tabs allow the surface 14 to be removed for repair or replacement. It can also be seen in FIG. 2 that a pair of spaced apart surfaces 14 are provided and separated by the diameter of the columns 32, 34. While the columns 32, 34 as well as columns 33, 35 are shown as essentially circular in cross-section, it will be appreciated that the columns could be oval or otherwise shaped to control the distance between the pair of spaced apart surfaces 14. As will be apparent, use of two spaced apart surfaces allows targets 20 to be mounted on both sides of each of sides 13, 15 and 17. Additionally, upon inflation of the object 12, a surface 16 is erected along the interior 17 between the top and bottom columns 33, 35. Additionally, upon inflation of the object 12, a surface 18 is erected along the extent of the side 15 between the top and bottom columns 32, 34. As described with regard to surface 14, each of the surfaces 16 and 18 comprise a pair of spaced apart surfaces separated by the diameter of the columns 32, 34 to which they are attached. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the inflatable object 12 is configured such that each of the target zones or surfaces 14, 16, 18 are orthogonal to at least one of the other surfaces 14, 16, 18. In a non-limiting example, the surface 14 is orthogonal to the surface 16. In a further non-limiting example, the surface 16 is orthogonal to the surface 18. However, embodiments of the inflatable object 12 are not limited to an arrangement in which the surfaces erected along each side of the object are orthogonal to at least one of the other surfaces.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the surface 14 erected along the interior of the side 13 is oriented in a vertical orientation along the side 13 with respect to a ground surface. However, embodiments of the inflatable object 12 are not limited to the surfaces 14, 16, 18 along the interior of the sides being erected in a vertical orientation with respect to the ground surface and may include surfaces erected at an angled orientation with respect to the ground surface.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a pair of targets 20 positioned along the surface 14. In a non-limiting example, the target 20 is a circular target, such as a bullseye target with a plurality of target indicia such as alternating color rings. In a non-limiting example, the pair of targets 20 are positioned along the surface 14, in a spaced-apart arrangement. In another non-limiting example, three targets 20 are positioned along the surface 16, in a spaced-apart arrangement. The spacing between the targets 20 on the surfaces 14, 16 may be in a range of about three to five feet or spaced sufficient to provide enough space to have a plurality of persons hitting balls simultaneously into adjacent targets in parallel lanes. The secondary surface 16 behind the visible surface 16 in FIG. 1 also supports a plurality of targets 20 as indicated by the dashed line from reference number 20. The secondary surfaces 14 and 18 adjacent to the surfaces 14 and facing an interior of the target assembly 11 are preferably not fitted with targets 20 in order to prevent persons from hitting balls angularly into the object 12. A secondary target 22 is also included along the side 13 between the pair of targets 20 and includes an inflatable character with a bullseye type target that encloses a volume that is continuous with a volume enclosed by the bottom column 34, to inflate the secondary target 22. In a non-limiting example, the secondary target 22 may be in the shape of a caricature man with a target positioned on the surface of the body of the man.

Additionally, FIG. 1 illustrates that the golf training system 10 includes a golf club 30 that is used for engaging a ball 26. Upon engaging the ball 26 with golf club 30, the ball 26 is propelled towards one of the targets 20, as described in further detail below. In the non-limiting example of the inflatable object 12 depicted in FIG. 1, the surfaces 14, 16, 18 include a total of seven targets 20, so that seven users can simultaneously use the training system 10 for practice or competition. Although the non-limiting example of the system 10 in FIG. 1 shows seven targets 20, the embodiments are not limited to any specific number of targets and less or more than the number of targets depicted in FIG. 1 may be used in an embodiment of the golf training system 10.

As is apparent from the illustrative drawings, the surfaces 14, 16 and 18 are preferably formed of a mesh or netting material, typically a nylon netting. Such netting can be made with different size openings for preventing passage therethrough of different size balls. If the training system 10 is to be used with the aforementioned game disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,458,then the openings and the netting may be similar to that used in a conventional tennis net. If the system is to be used with conventional golf balls, then the netting would be woven with smaller openings through which a golf ball of standard size and weight will not pass. One advantage of using such netting is that various targets may be hung at myriad different locations on the netting using conventional wire hooks or by tying a target in position. It is also possible to construct the surfaces 14,16 and 18 of solid vinyl sheeting but such structure is undesirable due to the extra weight that it would add to the system since one feature of the system is the ability to deflate and move to different physical locations.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top column 32 and the bottom column 34 continuously encloses the inflatable volume 25 within the object 12. In one embodiment, the target 20 is removably attached to the surface 14, such as with a metal or plastic hook coupled to the netting forming the surface 14. However, if the surface is solid such as by using a vinyl sheet, hook and loop material 27 could be used to attach the target to the surface. In a non-limiting example, the hook and loop material 27 is Velcro®. Additionally, target attachment material 24 is provided along an outer surface of the target 20, which is configured to stick to a ball attachment material on the ball 26, as discussed in greater detail below. In a non-limiting example, the target attachment material 24 is Velcro®. However, embodiments of the system 10 are not limited to any specific type of hook and loop material. In a non-limiting example, the target 20 has a diameter 21 of about three feet. In another non-limiting example, the target 20 is positioned on the surface 14 with the center of the target 20 positioned at a height 23 of about two feet above the ground surface, As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the height 23 may be adjusted, based on whether the golf training system 10 is used for target practice of a chip shot or a pitch shot. In a non-limiting example, the height 23 is adjusted to a lower height for the chip shot than the pitch shot. In a further non-limiting example, different targets 20 of the golf training system 10 may be adjusted to different heights 23, so that multiple users can simultaneously engage in target practice for multiple types of golf shots.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the surface 14 is separate from the top and bottom columns 32, 34 enclosing the inflatable volume 25 of the inflatable object 12, such that the surface 14 does not enclose the inflatable volume 25 of the inflatable object 12. The top inflatable column 32 is attached along a top edge 36 of the surface 14 and the bottom inflatable column 34 is attached along a bottom edge 38 of the surface 14. The cross-sectional view along the interior 17 and the side 15 of the inflatable object 12 is similar to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows an additional cross-sectional view of the inflatable object 12, taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, in which the target 20′ is integral to the surface 14′ and thus is not removably attached to the surface 14′ with hooks or a hook and loop material. Additionally, the surface 14′ is an inflatable surface that continuously encloses the inflatable volume 25′ of the inflatable object 12′. As depicted in FIG. 3, the volume enclosed by the surface 14′ is continuous with the volume enclosed by the top and bottom inflatable columns 32′, 34′. Additionally, the target 20′ is an inflatable surface that continuously encloses the inflatable volume 25′ of the inflatable object 12′. As depicted in FIG. 3, the volume enclosed by the target 20′ is continuous with the volume enclosed by the top and bottom inflatable columns 32′, 34′. Thus, upon inflation of the object 12′, the target 20′ is erected in the vertical orientation depicted in FIG. 3, without the use of the hook and loop material 27. As with the target 20 of FIG. 2, the target 20′ depicted in FIG. 3 is provided with target attachment material 24 along an outer surface of the target 20′, which is configured to stick to a ball attachment material 28 on the ball 26, as discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of arrows and markers that are used for alignment in the golf training system 10 of FIG. 1. In a non-limiting example, the golf training system 10 is used for target practice of a pitch shot. However, the golf training system 10 is not limited to target practice of a pitch shot and may also be used for target practice of a chip shot, a flop shot or a full swing shot. The pitch shot is preferably a lofted golf shot in which the ball carries relatively far in the air and travels very little when it lands. For purposes of description, reference will be made to use of the embodiments in the golf training system 10 to the golf like game of SNAG® golf. However, the golf training system 10 is not limited to golf games such as SNAG® golf. The SNAG ball 26 has an outer surface that has ball attachment material 28 that is similar to the hook and loop material used for hook and loop fasteners and has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a tennis ball. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the ball 26 is placed on a Launch Pad™ 50 that is essentially a mat that provides a convenient flat surface for supporting the ball 26. The pad 50 includes a directional arrow 55 to assist the golfer in aligning for a golf swing. Additional arrows 57 are placed in front of and behind the Launch Pad 50 with the arrows pointing towards the target 20 on the surface 14 of the inflatable object 12, such as the illustrative bullseye type target having alternating colored rings. As previously discussed, the target 20 is faced with target attachment material 24, such as hook and loop material so that the ball 26 will stick to the target 20 on impact. In a non-limiting example, the practice setup for the pitch shot may also include alignment markers 61 that are used to position the golfer in the preferred orientation for the pitch shot. Spot markers 62 align with the markers 61 so that the ball 26 can be consistently positioned on the pad 50. Note that the pad 50 can be moved to different positions as suggested by the additional markers 61A and 62A. As stated above, the object is to train the eyes on the exact track the ball 26 needs to travel which stimulates the muscles to move the club head 44 on the intended track. The large arrows 57 in front and behind define the exact direction for ball flight. Although FIG. 5 depicts that the golf training system 10 can include the launch pad 50 and the arrows 55, 57 and markers 61, 62 to assist the golfer during the use of the system 10, the embodiments of the system 10 need not include the launch pad 50 and arrows/markers 55, 57, 61, 62. In a non-limiting example, the ball 26 is positioned on a ground surface without the use of the launch pad 50.

FIG. 6a is a side view of the ball 26 used in the golf training system 10 of FIG. 1. Additionally, FIG. 6b is a section I-I view of the ball 26 shown in FIG. 6a . Looking at FIG. 6a , the ball 26 of the golf training system 10 is typically slightly smaller than a conventional tennis ball (approximately 2.5 inches in diameter), although the size can be varied according to the choice of the player. Looking at FIG. 6b , the ball 26 is a rubber sphere 31 having a ball attachment material 28 affixed to the outside surface of the sphere 31. The sphere 31 encompasses a hollow area 37 which allows the ball 26 to be compressed when forces are applied to the outside surface of the ball 26. Additionally, the approximate weight of the ball 26 is two ounces. However, the golf training system 10 is not limited to the particular features of the ball 26 discussed above and may be employed with a conventional golf ball. The ball attachment material 28 creates an engaging surface, and is the other element of the hook and loop material not used as the target attachment material 24. The ball attachment material 28 is chosen such that it will interact with the target attachment material 24. In a non-limiting example, if the target attachment material 24 includes the hooks, then the ball attachment material 28 will include the loops that interact with the hooks to secure the ball 26 to the target 20 on the surface 14. Therefore, when the ball 26 comes in contact with the target 20 on the surface 14, the ball 26 will stay affixed to the target 20 contacted. Although the target 20 on the surface 14 is discussed above, the same description applies to any target 20 on any of the surfaces 14, 16, 18 of the inflatable object 12. Additionally, the system 10 need not be used with a target 20 and a ball 26 where the ball 26 affixes to the target 20 upon contact, and may instead be used with a target and a conventional golf ball propelled toward the target.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a golf club 30 of the golf training system 10 of FIG. 1. The golf club 30 is used to engage the golf ball 26 on the ground surface or on the pad 50 and to propel the ball 26 toward the target 20 on the surface 14 of the inflatable object 12. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the golf club 30 has a shaft 42 (typically made of fiberglass) connected to a head 44 and a rubber grip 46 surrounding a portion of the shaft 42. The player thereby holds the club 30 by the rubber grip 46 attached to the shaft 42 to hit the ball 26 with the head 44. The head 44 is typically made of a hard and smooth material such that it can contact the ball 26 and ball attachment material 28 without forming a bond with the ball attachment material 28 surrounding the ball 26. In a non-limiting example, the golf training system 10 includes the club 30 with the angled head 44 that is configured to engage the ball 26 to lift and propel the ball 26 into the air so that it will travel a long distance towards the target 20. In a non-limiting example, the club 30 and the angled head 44 are configured for a pitch shot towards the target 20, in which the ball 26 is lifted and propelled through the air for a longer distance. In another non-limiting example, the club 30 and the angled head 44 are configured for a chip shot towards the target 20, in which the ball 26 is lifted and propelled through the air for a shorter distance. The height 23 of the target 20 (FIG. 2) can be adjusted on the surface 14, based on whether the pitch shot or the chip shot is being practiced during the use of the golf training system 10. However, the embodiments of the golf training system 10 are not limited to the golf club 30 discussed above, and may feature a conventional golf club that is used to propel a conventional golf ball towards a target.

FIG. 8a is a top view of the pad 50 of FIG. 5 used in the golf training system 10. FIG. 8b is a side view of the pad 50 shown in FIG. 8a . Looking at FIGS. 8a and 8b , the pad 50 includes a non-skid surface 52 and a turf layer 54. In a non-limiting example, the non-skid surface 52 is typically made of rubber, and the turf layer 54 is made of an artificial turf material. The turf layer 54 is attached to the top of the non-skid surface 52 so that the player can stand on the pad 50 to hit the ball 26. Additionally, a tee hole 56 is located in the turf layer 54 through which a tee 58 is positioned. The tee 58 (which is typically made of rubber) is designed so that the ball 26 can be placed on it. The ball 26 can then be hit from the tee 58 or directly from the turf layer 54 of the pad 50 and toward the target 20. Furthermore, a handle 60 is an integrated part of pad 50. The handle 60 aids the player in transporting the pad 50 as needed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method 100 for playing a golf game. The method 100 begins at 101 by inflating 102 the object 12. As previously discussed, the inflating 102 step involves using the blower 41 to deliver pressurized air through the channel 43 and into the inflatable volume 25 of the object 12. The method 100 further includes erecting 104 a surface 14 with a target 20, based on the inflating of the object 12. The method 100 further includes propelling 106 the ball 26 toward the target 20 with a club 30. The method 100 further includes affixing 108 the ball 26 to the target 20 based on ball attachment material 28 of the ball 26 sticking to target attachment material 24 of the target 20, before the method 100 ends at 109.

Although the present invention is described generally for use with the equipment used in the golf training system associated with SNAG® golf, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited. For example, each of the targets 20, 22 could be substituted by a different target for practicing a different game. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate two possible targets that could be attached to the surfaces 14, 16 in lieu of the illustrated targets 20, 22. The target of FIG. 10A could be used for practicing throwing or hitting of a baseball while the target of FIG. 10B could be used for practicing kicking or heading of a soccer ball.

While various embodiments have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the embodiments herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiments be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A target assembly for a sports training system in which a ball is propelled toward a target zone, said target assembly comprising: an inflatable object including a plurality of inflatable columns configured to erect a plurality of generally vertical surfaces upon inflation of the object, each surface defining a target zone; and a target positioned on at least one of the plurality of surfaces within a target zone.
 2. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball includes ball attachment material affixed to the ball and each target includes target attachment material affixed to an exposed surface of said target, the target attachment material is configured to releasably adhere to the ball attachment material such that the ball sticks to the target upon the ball making contact with the target.
 3. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the target is removably attached to the respective surface.
 4. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein at least some of the inflatable columns are vertically oriented and define respective ends of at least some of the vertical surfaces.
 5. The target assembly of claim 5 in which the vertical surfaces are constructed of a mesh material.
 6. The target assembly of claim 7 wherein the inflatable columns include a plurality of horizontally oriented columns extending from the vertically oriented columns, the horizontally oriented columns defining the upper and lower extent of the vertical surfaces, and each vertical surface being generally orthogonal to another vertical surface.
 7. The target assembly of claim 7 wherein the target has a design representative of the particular sport with which the ball is used.
 8. A golf training system for persons new at golf using a non-standard golf ball representation approximately a diameter of a conventional tennis ball and have an outer cover comprising one of a hook and loop material to enable the ball to adhere to a target at least partially covered by a mating one of the hook and loop material, the system comprising: an inflatable target assembly having a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal columns which can be filled with air to cause the assembly to assume a shape defining a plurality of vertically and horizontally extending target surfaces; and a plurality of targets positioned on the target surfaces in a location such that non-standard golf balls can be hit at the targets.
 9. The golf training system of claim 8, wherein the targets are covered by hook material and the ball is covered by loop material, and including a club for striking the ball and propelling it into engagement with the target.
 10. The golf training system of claim 8, wherein the targets are removably attached to the respective target surfaces.
 11. The golf training system of claim 9, wherein the target surfaces are constructed of a mesh material having a pattern such that a ball missing a target is stopped by the target surface.
 12. The golf training system of claim 11, wherein the target surfaces comprise a pair of spaced apart mesh panels, a spacing between the panels being defined by the diameter of the horizontally extending columns, the targets being positioned on each outwardly facing panel such that players can simultaneously strike balls towards opposite sides of each target surface.
 13. The golf training system of claim 12 wherein each of the targets is about 30 inches in diameter and has a plurality of alternating colored circular bands.
 4. The golf training system of claim 13, and including at least one inflatable target in a humanoid shape with a bullseye design on its torso. 